SAUDIA ARABIA are reportedly eyeing up a groundbreaking “wild card” entry into the UEFA Champions League.
It comes as a stream of past winners of the world’s biggest club competition head to the Saudi Pro League following lucrative offers.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, Riyad Mahrez, Sadio Mane and Neymar are now plying their trade in Saudi Arabia.
It is all part of a huge financial investment by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in not only football but sport in general.
And now they are setting their sights on participating in European football.
According to Corriere dello Sport, the leaders of the Arab federation will formulate a very specific request to UEFA.
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Saudi authorities want the Pro League winners to have a shot at the Champions League from next season.
They plan to propose a wild card entry that would allow the Saudi domestic league champions to participate in Europe’s top club competition.
The Champions League format is changing in the 2024-2025 season, from its current 32 team system to one that will include 36 teams.
The biggest change will see a transformation from the traditional group stage, to a single league phase that includes all participating teams.
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Each team will play four additional games for a total of five home ties and five away ties – although unlike a traditional league system, not everyone will play each other.
The top eight will qualify automatically for the round of 16 – while those placed between ninth and 16th will be entered into two-legged play-offs.
The think tank at Jeddah will request to be allowed entry into the new Swiss-style format.
Whether UEFA will accept the offer is yet to be seen, with resistance from various stakeholders expected.
But if this proposal gets the green light, it could potentially see the likes of Ronaldo, Benzema, and Neymar play in Europe once again.
Moreover, this would further enhance the profile and prestige of the Saudi Pro League on a global scale.
The revamped competition also means it’s likely a fifth Premier League club will compete.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
